My quest was simple really.

For most of the week, I was in Tallahassee for a reporting workshop. I've never been there, so was eager to check it out.

(My impression, in case you're wondering: Tallahassee is not at all like the Florida I've seen thus far, filled with lots of beautiful hills that make for interesting walking, especially if you're wearing heels.)

The workshop was intense. By the end of it, I was exhausted and ready to get back home (although not so thrilled to drive four and a half hours). Still, I didn't think it would be right to leave without scoping out the shopping scene - at least a little bit.

Problem was, I didn't want to go to the mall I'd passed on my way into town (too easy). And I also didn't want to spend a lot of money. So I did what any good deal diva does - I asked around.

That led me to the Times' Tallahassee bureau, where I had a visit with colleague Katie Sanders. Katie and I used to work together in St. Pete, and she always looked pretty stylish to me. 

Katie directed me to a place not far from downtown called Urban Thread, at 1318 N. Monroe St.

The place was adorable, you guys. It kind of reminded me of TJ Maxx, but with a hip, vintage-y vibe.

There were clothes for girls and guys, walls of shoes, and housewares.

Best of all, pretty much all the items were new.

As the girl at the counter explained it, Urban Thread gets excess inventory and catalogue returns from places like Urban Outfitters and Free People. 

I could've spent a long time in there, but I was on a mission.

I'd already set an amount in my head ($10) and was determined to stick to it, even though I kept getting tempted by a patterned dress for $24 and a big purse for $36.

Luckily, like every great store, there was a sale rack.

It looked pretty picked over, but I managed to snag two graphic T-shirts (which are severely under-represented in my closet these days) at $4.50 each.

How'd I do? Do you guys have any tips for finding cool, cheap places to shop when you're in a new town?

Deal Diva Kameel